Uganda: Maize Market 2025

Maize Market Size in Uganda

The Ugandan maize market dropped slightly to $X in 2022, which is down by -4.2% against the previous year. Overall, consumption showed a pronounced shrinkage. Maize consumption peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Maize Production in Uganda

In value terms, maize production fell to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production recorded a abrupt descent. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 with an increase of 14%. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In 2022, the average yield of maize in Uganda contracted to X tons per ha, standing approx. at the previous year's figure. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +1.2% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 4.2% against the previous year. The maize yield peaked at X tons per ha in 2021, and then reduced in the following year. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2022, the total area harvested in terms of maize production in Uganda was estimated at X ha, approximately equating the previous year. Overall, the harvested area, however, showed a slight downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when the harvested area increased by 11%. The maize harvested area peaked at X ha in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, the harvested area remained at a lower figure.

Maize Exports

Exports from Uganda

In 2022, maize exports from Uganda declined modestly to X tons, with a decrease of -3% compared with the previous year. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate a deep contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when exports increased by 149% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, maize exports reduced remarkably to $X in 2022. Overall, exports continue to indicate a drastic downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when exports increased by 118%. The exports peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Kenya (X tons) was the main destination for maize exports from Uganda, with a 79% share of total exports. Moreover, maize exports to Kenya exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Rwanda (X tons), eightfold. The third position in this ranking was held by South Sudan (X tons), with a 7.9% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume to Kenya amounted to -5.2%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Rwanda (-8.3% per year) and South Sudan (+16.5% per year).

In value terms, Kenya ($X) remains the key foreign market for maize exports from Uganda, comprising 78% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by South Sudan ($X), with an 11% share of total exports. It was followed by Rwanda, with a 7.8% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value to Kenya amounted to -12.4%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: South Sudan (+10.2% per year) and Rwanda (-13.6% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average maize export price amounted to $X per ton, declining by -13.3% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price continues to indicate a deep setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 an increase of 33%. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major export markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was South Sudan ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Rwanda ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Tanzania (+2.9%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Maize Imports

Imports into Uganda

In 2022, overseas purchases of maize decreased by -35.5% to X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a three-year rising trend. Overall, imports, however, showed a significant increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when imports increased by 413% against the previous year. Imports peaked at X tons in 2021, and then dropped notably in the following year.

In value terms, maize imports contracted rapidly to $X in 2022. In general, imports, however, posted a significant increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 when imports increased by 151%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2021, and then dropped sharply in the following year.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Tanzania (X tons) was the main supplier of maize to Uganda, accounting for a 93% share of total imports. Moreover, maize imports from Tanzania exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Kenya (X tons), more than tenfold.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Tanzania stood at +33.6%.

In value terms, the largest maize suppliers to Uganda were Tanzania ($X) and Kenya ($X).

Among the main suppliers, Tanzania, with a CAGR of +31.0%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review.

Import Prices by Country

The average maize import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, picking up by 11% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, recorded a deep setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when the average import price increased by 195% against the previous year. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2014 to 2022, the average import prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Kenya ($X per ton), while the price for Tanzania amounted to $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Kenya (+0.7%).

Source: IndexBox Platform